2 Chronicles 17:9

KJV

And they taught in Judah, and [had] the book of the law of the LORD with them, and went about throughout all the cities of Judah, and taught the people.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they taught {H3925} in Judah {H3063}, and had the book {H5612} of the law {H8451} of the LORD {H3068} with them, and went about {H5437} throughout all the cities {H5892} of Judah {H3063}, and taught {H3925} the people {H5971}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They taught in Y'hudah, having a scroll of the Torah of ADONAI with them; they circulated through all the cities of Y'hudah, teaching among the people.

Berean Standard Bible

They taught throughout Judah, taking with them the Book of the Law of the LORD. They went throughout the towns of Judah and taught the people.

American Standard Version

And they taught in Judah, having the book of the law of Jehovah with them; and they went about throughout all the cities of Judah, and taught among the people.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 17:9 vividly portrays a foundational initiative during the reign of King Jehoshaphat of Judah, underscoring his profound commitment to national spiritual renewal. This verse details the extensive educational campaign spearheaded by his appointed officials—princes, Levites, and priests—who systematically traversed all the cities of Judah. Their core mission was to diligently teach the people "the book of the law of the LORD," signifying a deliberate and comprehensive effort to re-establish divine instruction and covenant faithfulness as the bedrock for the kingdom's life, stability, and prosperity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the Chronicler's account of King Jehoshaphat's reign, specifically detailing the practical implementation of his early reforms and unwavering devotion to the Lord. The preceding verses [2 Chronicles 17:1-6](/2_chronicles/17-1-6 "2 Chronicles 17:1-6 - Jehoshaphat's Early Reign") establish Jehoshaphat's righteous character, noting that he "walked in the earlier ways of his father David" and "sought the God of his father." He diligently strengthened his kingdom, purged pagan worship sites, and steadfastly focused on the Lord, eschewing the idolatry prevalent in the northern kingdom of Israel. Verses [2 Chronicles 17:7-8](/2_chronicles/17-7-8 "2 Chronicles 17:7-8 - Jehoshaphat's Teachers") then list the specific officials—princes, Levites, and priests—whom Jehoshaphat dispatched. Verse 9 elaborates on their crucial activity, emphasizing their possession of "the book of the law of the LORD" and their systematic, city-by-city teaching mission, which served as the tangible and widespread actualization of Jehoshaphat's spiritual vision for his people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah from approximately 870-848 BC, succeeding his father Asa, who, despite initial reforms, experienced a lapse in faith. During this period, both Judah and Israel were constantly vulnerable to the pervasive influences of idolatry and syncretism, often stemming from surrounding pagan cultures and internal spiritual decay. The "book of the law of the LORD" primarily refers to the Pentateuch (Torah), which contained God's foundational covenant stipulations, laws, and divine instructions delivered through Moses. In ancient Israelite society, kings were divinely mandated to uphold and study the Law, as prescribed in [Deuteronomy 17:18-20](/deuteronomy/17-18-20 "Deuteronomy 17:18-20 - The King's Copy of the Law"), and the Levites were specifically entrusted with the responsibility of teaching it ([Deuteronomy 33:10](/deuteronomy/33-10 "Deuteronomy 33:10 - The Levites' Role in Teaching the Law")). Jehoshaphat's initiative was truly remarkable because it represented a proactive, royally sanctioned, and geographically comprehensive educational campaign, standing in stark contrast to the spiritual neglect often observed in both kingdoms. Its primary aim was to re-center the entire nation on its covenant obligations and divine identity.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several pivotal themes within the book of [2 Chronicles](/2_chronicles/1 "2 Chronicles - The Reign of Kings in Judah") and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it profoundly underscores the **primacy of divine instruction** and **biblical literacy** as indispensable foundations for national well-being and spiritual health. Jehoshaphat implicitly understood that genuine reform and lasting prosperity originate from a deep understanding and faithful adherence to God's revealed will, echoing the paramount importance of the Law found throughout [the book of Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/1 "Deuteronomy - The Second Law"). Secondly, it highlights the **responsibility of godly leadership** to actively champion righteousness and truth. Jehoshaphat did not merely tolerate the existence of the Law; he proactively ensured its widespread dissemination, demonstrating that authentic leadership involves diligently guiding people in the ways of the Lord, a principle powerfully exemplified in [David's charge to Solomon](/1_kings/2-2 "1 Kings 2:2 - David's Charge to Solomon"). Thirdly, the systematic and thorough nature of the teaching—"went about throughout all the cities of Judah"—emphasizes the imperative of **diligent and pervasive spiritual education**, a concept deeply rooted in the biblical mandate to continually teach God's commands, as seen in [Deuteronomy 6:6-7](/deuteronomy/6-6-7 "Deuteronomy 6:6-7 - Teach Your Children Diligently").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Taught (Hebrew, _lâmad_):** The verb "taught" (וַיְלַמְּדוּ, _vaylammedū_) derives from the root H3925 (_lâmad_), which, in its intensive causative (Piel) stem, signifies "to teach, instruct, train." This is a robust verb implying a deliberate, active, and thorough process of imparting knowledge and understanding. Its root meaning, "to goad," suggests an active and persistent effort to guide and direct, aiming for a transformation of behavior and thought based on the content being taught. It denotes a comprehensive pedagogical endeavor rather than a mere casual dissemination of information.
* **Book (Hebrew, _çêpher_):** The word "book" (סֵפֶר, _sepher_), H5612 (_çêpher_), properly refers to "writing (the art or a document)" and by implication, "a book." In this context, it emphasizes that the instruction was based on a tangible, authoritative, and permanent written compilation. The presence of a physical "book" or scroll of the Law underscored the divine origin and unalterable nature of the content, ensuring fidelity to God's original revelation and preventing arbitrary interpretations or deviations.
* **Law (Hebrew, _tôwrâh_):** The term "law" (תּוֹרַת, _torat_), H8451 (_tôwrâh_), is far more expansive than a mere legal code. It encompasses divine instruction, guidance, and teaching—God's revealed will for how His people are to live in covenant relationship with Him. It includes statutes, commands, principles, and narratives that collectively shape a righteous life and define the parameters of the covenant. Paired with "of the LORD," it underscores its divine origin and absolute authority, distinguishing it from human decrees or traditions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they taught in Judah":** This initial clause immediately establishes the primary activity and the geographical scope of Jehoshaphat's initiative. The pronoun "they" refers collectively to the princes, Levites, and priests enumerated in the preceding verses [2 Chronicles 17:7-8](/2_chronicles/17-7-8 "2 Chronicles 17:7-8 - Jehoshaphat's Emissaries"), signifying a collaborative effort between civil and religious authorities. "In Judah" specifically delimits the southern kingdom, Jehoshaphat's domain, highlighting his focused commitment to internal spiritual strengthening within his realm.
* **"and [had] the book of the law of the LORD with them":** This crucial phrase unveils both the content and the inherent authority of their teaching. It explicitly states that the emissaries were not teaching their own opinions, philosophies, or traditions, but rather the divinely inspired "book of the law." The phrase "with them" strongly implies that they carried physical copies or scrolls of this sacred text, underscoring the tangible and authoritative source of their instruction. This ensured consistency, accuracy, and fidelity to the original divine revelation across all teaching locations.
* **"and went about throughout all the cities of Judah":** This clause emphatically conveys the systematic, comprehensive, and diligent nature of the teaching campaign. It was not a localized, haphazard, or optional endeavor but a kingdom-wide mandate. The phrase "went about" (וַיְסֹבּוּ, _vaysōbbū_), from H5437 (_çâbab_), suggests a circuitous journey or a thorough traversing of the land, indicating that they visited every community. This made the teaching accessible to all segments of the population, not merely those in the capital, ensuring widespread spiritual education.
* **"and taught the people":** This final clause reiterates and reinforces the ultimate purpose and target audience of the entire initiative. The overarching goal was the direct, comprehensive instruction of the general populace, ensuring that the common people, not exclusively the elite or religious leaders, gained a profound understanding of God's requirements and covenant obligations. This widespread teaching was absolutely essential for fostering a genuine national spiritual revival and promoting covenant obedience across all levels of society.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Narrative Detail** is prominently featured, providing precise information regarding the agents of the reform ("they" referring to princes, Levites, and priests), the specific content of their instruction ("the book of the law of the LORD"), their method of dissemination ("went about"), and the extensive scope of their mission ("throughout all the cities of Judah"). This meticulous detail lends both credibility and vividness to the account of Jehoshaphat's reforms. There is also a powerful **Emphasis** on the Word of God, as "the book of the law of the LORD" is explicitly named as the central and authoritative instrument of their teaching. This highlights the Chronicler's deep theological conviction that national prosperity, spiritual health, and covenant faithfulness are directly contingent upon diligent adherence to divine instruction. Furthermore, the systematic nature of the campaign, repeatedly emphasized by "went about throughout all the cities," implies a profound **Thoroughness** and **Diligence**, portraying Jehoshaphat's initiative as a truly comprehensive and unwavering commitment to re-educate the entire nation in righteousness. The **Repetition** of "taught" at the beginning and end of the verse (`taught... and taught the people`) serves to underscore the primary and persistent nature of their activity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully underscores a foundational biblical truth: the well-being and flourishing of God's people are inextricably linked to their intimate knowledge of and faithful obedience to His revealed Word. Jehoshaphat's proactive initiative reflects a profound understanding that spiritual decline and societal decay often stem from widespread ignorance or deliberate neglect of divine instruction. By systematically teaching the Law, he aimed to meticulously re-establish and strengthen the covenant relationship between God and Judah, recognizing with deep insight that true national strength and enduring prosperity emanate from spiritual faithfulness, rather than solely from military might, political alliances, or economic prowess. This unwavering commitment to widespread biblical education serves as an enduring model for all generations, emphasizing that the genuine transformation of individuals, families, and communities fundamentally begins with the diligent dissemination and heartfelt reception of God's immutable truth. It highlights God's consistent and passionate desire for His people to intimately know Him through His revealed Word, thereby equipping them for righteous living, faithful service, and a life that honors His covenant.

* [Deuteronomy 6:6-7](/deuteronomy/6-6-7 "Deuteronomy 6:6-7 - Diligent Teaching of God's Words")
* [Nehemiah 8:1-8](/nehemiah/8-1-8 "Nehemiah 8:1-8 - Ezra Reads and Explains the Law")
* [Psalm 19:7-11](/psalm/19-7-11 "Psalm 19:7-11 - The Perfection and Value of God's Law")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Chronicles 17:9 offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary believers, spiritual leaders, and communities today. It challenges us to critically examine the centrality of God's Word—the Bible—in our personal lives, within our families, and throughout our collective communities. Just as King Jehoshaphat astutely recognized the transformative power of the Law for his nation, we are powerfully reminded that spiritual vitality, moral uprightness, and societal flourishing are deeply and intrinsically connected to a thorough understanding and faithful obedience to Scripture. This verse serves as a compelling call for intentional, systematic, and widespread efforts to spread biblical knowledge, whether through robust and expository church teaching, dedicated small group discipleship, consistent personal Bible study, or regular family devotions. It encourages every believer to be an active participant in ensuring that the foundational truths of God's Word are readily accessible, deeply comprehended, and consistently applied by all, thereby countering the pervasive spiritual apathy, doctrinal drift, and moral relativism prevalent in many contexts today. Our commitment to biblical literacy is not merely an academic pursuit or an intellectual exercise; it is a vital, non-negotiable component of spiritual growth, faithful living, and effective witness, equipping us to navigate a complex and challenging world with divine wisdom and unwavering conviction.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How central is the "book of the law of the LORD" (the Bible) in my personal life, daily decisions, and the shaping of my worldview?**
* **In what tangible ways am I actively participating in or supporting the teaching and widespread dissemination of God's Word within my sphere of influence (e.g., family, church, workplace, community)?**
* **What specific, practical steps can I commit to taking to deepen my own understanding of Scripture and apply its transformative truths more consistently and faithfully in my everyday life?**
* **How does Jehoshaphat's example of proactive, comprehensive spiritual leadership challenge my understanding of leadership, whether in a formal role or in my informal influence on others?**

### FAQ
**What was "the book of the law of the LORD" that they taught?**

Answer: "The book of the law of the LORD" primarily refers to the Torah, which comprises the first five books of the Old Testament: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. This sacred collection contained God's foundational instructions, divine commands, statutes, and principles given through Moses to the people of Israel. It was far more than a mere legal code; it was a comprehensive guide for living in covenant relationship with God, encompassing moral, civil, and ceremonial laws, alongside crucial historical narratives that revealed God's character, His redemptive plan, and His dealings with humanity. Its widespread teaching was absolutely crucial for the spiritual health, national identity, and moral integrity of the nation, as it meticulously outlined the terms of their unique covenant with Yahweh and provided the essential framework for a righteous and just society, as powerfully emphasized in [Deuteronomy 4:1-8](/deuteronomy/4-1-8 "Deuteronomy 4:1-8 - Obedience to God's Statutes").

**Why was this teaching initiative so important for Judah?**

Answer: This teaching initiative was critically important for several profound reasons. Spiritually, Judah, much like the northern kingdom of Israel, was perpetually prone to idolatry and syncretism, often leading to a neglect of their covenant obligations with God. Widespread ignorance or disregard of the Law inevitably led to moral and spiritual decline. Jehoshaphat, with remarkable foresight, understood that true national strength, stability, and prosperity were deeply rooted in faithfulness to God, which in turn necessitated that the people intimately know and faithfully obey His commands. Politically, a unified understanding and adherence to God's Law fostered social cohesion, promoted justice, and provided a stable, divinely sanctioned foundation for the kingdom. The initiative also served to restore the proper and vital role of the Levites and priests as authoritative teachers of the Law, a duty explicitly outlined in [Deuteronomy 33:10](/deuteronomy/33-10 "Deuteronomy 33:10 - The Levites' Teaching Responsibility"). By making the Law accessible and comprehensible throughout all the cities, Jehoshaphat aimed to ignite and sustain a kingdom-wide spiritual revival, ensuring that God's Word permeated every facet of national life and effectively countered the pervasive influence of pagan practices and spiritual apathy.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The systematic and diligent teaching of "the book of the law of the LORD" in [2 Chronicles 17:9](/2_chronicles/17-9 "2 Chronicles 17:9 - Jehoshaphat's Teaching Initiative"), while a commendable act of Old Testament faithfulness and obedience, ultimately serves as a powerful foreshadowing that points to the greater and ultimate Teacher, Jesus Christ. The Old Testament Law, though holy and good, revealed God's perfect standard and His desire for humanity, but simultaneously exposed humanity's inherent inability to perfectly fulfill it, thereby necessitating a Savior ([Romans 3:20](/romans/3-20 "Romans 3:20 - The Law Reveals Sin")). Jesus, as the incarnate Word of God ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God")), perfectly embodies, fulfills, and transcends the Law ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). He is not merely a teacher of the Law but the very embodiment of God's divine instruction and character, uniquely revealing the Father fully and intimately ([John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No One Has Seen God")). Through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, Christ accomplishes what the Law, due to human weakness, could not: He provides perfect righteousness and a gracious means for sinners to be reconciled to a holy God ([Romans 8:3-4](/romans/8-3-4 "Romans 8:3-4 - Christ Fulfills the Law's Righteous Requirement")). Furthermore, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Christ, now indwells believers, writing God's law not on external tablets of stone but directly upon human hearts, empowering them to live in genuine obedience rooted in love and grace ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant"), [Hebrews 8:10](/hebrews/8-10 "Hebrews 8:10 - God's Law on Our Hearts")). Just as Jehoshaphat's officials diligently brought the written Law to the people, so too does the Church, empowered and guided by the Holy Spirit, now proclaim the living Word, Jesus Christ, to all nations, inviting them into a transformative, life-giving relationship with Him ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission"), [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power to Witness")). In Christ, the need for external instruction is met by an internal transformation, leading to a deeper, more profound, and Spirit-empowered obedience that flows from a heart of love and grace ([John 14:15](/john/14-15 "John 14:15 - If You Love Me, Keep My Commandments"), [Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

John 5:46

For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me.

Romans 3:2

Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God.

John 5:39

Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.

Isaiah 8:20

To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, [it is] because [there is] no light in them.

Matthew 10:23

But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.

Acts 13:15

And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, [Ye] men [and] brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on.

Acts 28:23

¶ And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into [his] lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and [out of] the prophets, from morning till evening.